Film techniques Flashcards
Camera angles
The position of the camera in relation to the subject being shown.
Indicates POV
E.g. Overhead, high angle, eye level, low angle, undershot
Camera movement
Defines and creates meaning in shots
E.g. Zooming , tracking, panning and tilting
Camera speed
Can be used to create special effects and enhance meaning
E.g. Fast or slow motion and freeze frames
Cinematography
The control and design of the camera work. The operation of the camera and the control of the shot and characters
Close up
Only part of an object or person is seen on the screen. Usually a head or head and shoulders only shot
Composition
Control of all the elements in a single frame of film; the arrangements and relationship of the visual elements within a frame. Includes camera angle and movement.
Cross-cutting or intercutting
Editing technique that alternates between two different actions or scenes
Cut
Allows different types of shots without disrupting the action
Cutaway
A shot that does not focus on some detail of the shot before or after it cuts away from the action. Focus on random object in scene instead
Dissolve
A transition where one scene fades out as the other fades in. Both scenes are seen at the same time for a short moment. Suggest close relationship between the two scenes
Establishing shot
A long, wide angle shot of an area or open space to establish setting
Eye level shot
When camera is level with the object it figure. Suggests reality
Fade
Scene fades to black at the end before new scene starts
Frame
The borders of the image within which the subject is composed
Freeze-frame
A still image that stops in the middle of the action
High angle shot
Camera is above looking down on the scene or object but not directly overhead.
Makes object look small or lacking in power
Insert shot
Close up of some small detail in the scene
Lighting
How the shot is lit for filming.
High key and low key
Long shot
Includes the whole human figure and some surrounding environment
Low angle shot
Camera is looking up at object or character. Suggests power or dominance
Medium shot
Includes half of the body and a small amount of background
Mis-en-scene
Every visible element in the frame and how they are shown and related
Montage
A number of shots edited quickly together. Gives brief impression of character or setting
Overhead shot
Camera is directly above the object or character. Makes them look small vulnerable or lost
Pan
Camera moves horizontally across the frame
Point of view
Where the camera is placed to capture the shot
Reverse shot
A shot from the opposite side of the previous shot
Scene
A space within which a narrative of action takes place
Screenplay
Written description of film containing characters, dialogue and actions
Semiotics
The study of signs and symbols and their use, especially in language
Sequencing
A series of shots unified by shared action or motif put together to show continuous action
Set
The place or location used for a scene or shot in a film
SFX
Special effects/ technical additions to the film that manipulate or alter what has been filmed
Shot
A continuously exposed unedited image of any length
Shot reverse shot
Pretty self explanatory
Soundtrack
What we hear in the film
Diegetic sound
What we can hear that the characters can also hear
Non diegetic sound
Sound put in for the audience only
Tilting
Camera moves up and down
Tracking
Camera follows action
Undershot
Camera is directly beneath figure or object. Suggests extreme power or danger
Washout
Scene fades to white before next scene begins
Wipe
Shots slide across screen like a PowerPoint
Zooming
Zoom in to make bigger or zoom back to make smaller
